TMJ Dysfunction

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint. It’s an important joint formed by your skull and your jaw bone and involves the muscles needed for chewing. It is responsible for opening and closing your mouth and moving your jaw side to side, ultimately enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. A common mistake people make is referring to TMJ pain simply as TMJ. When you experience pain in this area, your chiropractor or dentist may refer to it as a temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. 

The two sides of the joint are separated by a cartilage disc which helps protect both sides of the joint while also keeping the movement smooth. If you are experiencing discomfort in this area, it can be caused by the surrounding muscles being irritated, the disc being displaced, or by arthritis. Common signs of TMD include popping, clicking, muscle tenderness, joint tenderness, or being unable to open your jaw as wide as usual.

After a thorough assessment, treatment can involve intraoral myofascial release, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise.